Over-Center Pivot Park Brake for Zero-Turn Mower
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing zero turning radius (ZTR) mowers lack an efficient mechanism for engaging and disengaging the park brake, which can complicate operator access and safety during operation.
Innovation Solution
A zero turning radius mower park brake system utilizing an over-center pivot member connected by a cable to a park brake, actuated by a mechanism at the lower end of a pivotable steering arm bracket, allowing the park brake to be engaged or disengaged based on the steering arm's position, ensuring seamless operation and improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate hydraulic pump or electric actuator system is used for park brake engagement, then the park brake can be reliably engaged, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering arm bracket serves multiple functions: it controls the drive wheel through hydraulic pump actuation and simultaneously engages/disengages the park brake through the integrated over-center pivot mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated actuator systems while maintaining reliable park brake engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The park brake actuation mechanism is merged with the existing steering arm bracket structure. The over-center pivot member is integrated into the steering arm bracket, combining two functions (steering control and brake engagement) into a single unified mechanism, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If linkages are connected between steering lever and brake mechanism, then park brake engagement is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases due to operator access complications
Solution Approach 1:
The complex linkage system connecting the steering lever to the brake mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified over-center pivot mechanism integrated into the steering arm bracket. This extraction removes unnecessary intermediate linkages that hindered operator access while maintaining the essential brake engagement function.
3Ease of operation
If an over-center pivot member is used for park brake actuation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center pivot member is merged with the existing steering arm bracket structure rather than being a separate component. This integration combines the pivot mechanism with the steering control system, achieving ease of operation while minimizing additional complexity through structural unification.
Data Source
AI summary
A zero turning radius mower park brake system includes an over-center pivot member that pivots to a park brake engaged position in response to moving a control arm fully outward, and to a park brake disengaged position in response to moving the control arm fully inward. The control arm is disconnected from the over-center pivot member in the park brake engaged and disengaged positions. An actuator on a lower end of the control arm may contact the over-center pivot member between the park brake engaged and disengaged positions. A biasing spring urges the over-center pivot member to the park brake engaged position and park brake disengaged position.